Zippy Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe For Tender Bites

Juicy chicken thighs slow-cooked in mouthwatering bbq sauce create a dinner that melts in your mouth.

These tender slow cooker bbq chicken thighs deliver ultimate comfort on a plate.

The secret lies in low and gentle cooking that breaks down tough muscle fibers.

Succulent meat falls right off the bone with minimal effort.

Rich, smoky flavors infuse every single bite of this hearty dish.

Each serving promises a delightful combination of sweet and tangy notes that dance across your palate.

Prepare to impress everyone at the table with this ridiculously easy weeknight meal that feels like weekend indulgence.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 370 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients You’ll Need For Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs

• Bbq Sauce: Tangy foundation that infuses rich, smoky flavor into the chicken, choose a high-quality brand with balanced sweetness.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that adds depth and helps caramelize the sauce, opt for raw or local honey for best taste.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides bright acidity that tenderizes meat and balances sweet elements, select organic unfiltered variety.

• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami complexity and depth to the overall flavor profile, look for traditional fermented versions.
• Smoked Paprika: Delivers authentic smoky undertone without overwhelming heat, choose Spanish-style for authentic taste.
• Garlic Powder: Provides consistent savory background notes, ensure fresh and fragrant.
• Onion Powder: Enhances overall savoriness with subtle sweetness, select fine-ground variety.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Create layered spice profile with gentle heat and robust seasoning, choose freshly ground options.

• Chicken Thighs: Tender, flavorful cut that remains juicy during slow cooking, select bone-in for maximum richness.
• Cornstarch, Water: Optional thickening agent that creates luxurious sauce consistency, mix carefully to prevent lumps.

Tools To Make Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs Easy

• Slow cooker: Essential for cooking chicken thighs evenly and keeping meat tender.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining BBQ sauce and seasonings.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Whisk: Helps blend sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Spatula: Useful for stirring and coating chicken with sauce.
• Small bowl: Optional for mixing cornstarch slurry if thickening sauce.

Steps To Cook Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs

• Whip Up the Flavor Bomb

Create a mouthwatering sauce by blending tangy BBQ sauce with sweet honey, zesty apple cider vinegar, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle in smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for an explosion of taste.

• Nestle the Chicken

Gently place chicken thighs in your slow cooker, creating a cozy single layer that will soak up all the delicious sauce goodness.

• Drench in Deliciousness

Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure every piece gets a loving coating of flavor-packed goodness.

• Low and Slow Magic

Cover and let the slow cooker work its magic. On low heat, cook for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken becomes fall-apart tender.

• Sauce Transformation (Optional)

Want an ultra-rich sauce? Quickly mix cornstarch with water and stir into the cooking liquid during the final 15 minutes for a luxurious, thick consistency.

• Plate and Devour

Scoop those succulent chicken thighs onto plates, drizzle with extra sauce, and serve alongside your favorite accompaniments for a meal that’ll make taste buds dance.

Tasty Extras For Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs

• Tender Chicken Trick: Pat chicken thighs dry before seasoning to help the BBQ sauce stick better and create a more flavorful coating.
• Sauce Customization: Experiment with different BBQ sauce brands or make your own homemade sauce for a unique flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace honey with sugar-free sweetener and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly meal.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to increase or decrease heat – start with a pinch for mild flavor or add more for extra kick.
• Meal Prep Magic: These chicken thighs freeze beautifully for up to 3 months, making them perfect for quick weeknight dinners or lunch prep.

How To Serve Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs Hot

• Cozy Family Dinner Companion: Pair these succulent BBQ chicken thighs with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal that brings everyone together.
• Picnic Perfect Plate: Serve alongside crisp coleslaw and buttery corn on the cob for a classic summer barbecue experience that screams outdoor dining delight.
• Wholesome Weeknight Winner: Plate with steamed green beans and fluffy white rice to create a balanced, nutritious dinner that's both easy and satisfying for busy families.
• Hearty Lunch Option: Transform leftovers into delicious pulled chicken sandwiches by shredding the meat and piling it high on soft hamburger buns with extra BBQ sauce.

Store Leftover Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs Safely

• Meal Prep Magic: Cook a double batch and refrigerate extra servings in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals lasting 3-4 days.
• Freezer-Friendly Feast: Portion cooled chicken thighs into freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and store up to 3 months for effortless future dinners.
• Sauce Separation Strategy: Keep leftover sauce separately in a sealed container, which helps maintain chicken's texture and prevents sogginess when reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated chicken in microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring between each cycle to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.

Tender Slow Cooker Bbq Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent slow cooker BBQ chicken thighs blend tangy and sweet flavors for a mouthwatering meal. Tender meat marinates in rich sauce, creating a perfect dinner for family gatherings and casual weeknight dining.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup (237 ml) BBQ sauce
• ¼ cup (60 ml) honey or brown sugar
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) cornstarch
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) water

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Instructions

1. Sauce Preparation: Whisk BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl until completely melded into a harmonious, vibrant blend.
2. Chicken Placement: Arrange chicken thighs in a single, uniform layer within the slow cooker, ensuring optimal heat distribution and even cooking.
3. Sauce Application: Pour the crafted sauce over the chicken, meticulously coating each piece to guarantee maximum flavor infusion and succulent results.
4. Cooking Process: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, allowing the chicken to become incredibly tender and easily shredded, with flavors deeply penetrating the meat.
5. Sauce Refinement: During the final 15 minutes, integrate a cornstarch slurry to enhance sauce consistency, creating a luxurious, glossy finish that clings perfectly to the meat.
6. Serving Presentation: Gently transfer the caramelized chicken to a serving platter, drizzling the remaining rich, concentrated sauce over the top to elevate the dish’s visual and gustatory appeal.

Notes

• Optimize Sauce Consistency: Whisk cornstarch slurry carefully to prevent lumps, ensuring a smooth, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken.
• Prevent Overcooking: Monitor chicken closely during slow cooking to maintain juicy, tender meat that doesn’t dry out or become stringy.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Consider marinating chicken thighs for 2-4 hours before cooking to intensify the BBQ sauce’s penetration and overall taste profile.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Customize red pepper flakes and smoked paprika to match personal heat tolerance, creating a personalized spice experience.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg